Dean Burmester has confirmed that he will play in November’s Fitch & Leedes PGA Championship on the Sunshine Tour as part of a personal desire with his teammates at Stinger GC to play a greater role in the growth of this event and to continue supporting the Tour where their careers began.
Stinger GC, which consists of captain Louis Oosthuizen, Charl Schwartzel, Branden Grace and Burmester, has further contributed to the increase in the prize money for this year’s Fitch & Leedes PGA Championship to R3 million.
The Fitch & Leedes PGA Championship is South Africa’s second-oldest professional tournament, and Burmester will head to St Francis Links from 27-30 November seeking to join a rare club of golfers who have won this tournament multiple times after his victory here in 2021.
“I’m very excited to play in the Fitch & Leedes PGA Championship. I have fond memories of winning this tournament in 2021, and it’s always an honour when you can win such a prestigious title on the Sunshine Tour and add your name to a trophy that has the names of some of Southern Africa’s greatest golfers on it. It’s going to be very special to be back there and supporting an event I’ve always held in high regard,” said Burmester.
Speaking as captain of Stinger GC, Louis Oosthuizen outlined his team’s desire to play an even greater role in supporting the Sunshine Tour and its premier tournaments.
“All four of us are homegrown Sunshine Tour players. We all started our careers on this Tour and took the opportunities provided to take our games to the international stage. It’s a privilege now for us to serve as an inspiration for the next generation of Sunshine Tour professionals to do the same, and that’s why we take every opportunity that we can to come home and support the Sunshine Tour.
“The Fitch & Leedes PGA Championship is one of our most prestigious tournaments, and I’m proud to have won it twice. I know what it meant for my career. While we’d all like to be able to play in it this year, Dean will be there to represent us. Stinger GC and we as the players look forward to playing our part in the growth of this great event going forward.”